South Penquite Farm

Liked Clean facilities and lovely well kept pitches. The farm in general is lovely

Disliked This was our second visit to the farm. After such a lovely stay last year, we decided to bring a large group of family and friends back with us this time. There were around 30 of us, and we booked well in advance because we wanted to camp together.

Overall, the campsite itself is still lovely. The pitches are well maintained, and the shower and toilet facilities are clean and well looked after. Unfortunately, though, this visit left me feeling quite disappointed because of how we were treated.

When we booked at the beginning of the year, we asked whether, as such a large group, we could reserve a specific area so we could all camp together. We were told this wasn't possible, which we accepted without issue. We simply made sure to arrive early to secure a suitable corner ourselves. However, on arrival, we discovered that another group had in fact been allowed to reserve the exact area we had hoped for. It was frustrating to realise that this option had been available, just not offered to us.

The biggest disappointment came on the evening of the World Cup football final. Aside from our group, the campsite was empty, with only a couple of other tents nearby. Like many other campers, we were watching the match. During half-time, when the concert entertainment was playing, 3 adults and children together got up and had a dance. It was still early in the evening, well before quiet hours, and we weren't being disorderly or causing any trouble, just enjoying the moment.

Without warning, what I assume was the owner or manager came over and, in a very confrontational manner, told us this was "a family campsite, not a disco" and claimed they had received numerous complaints.

We immediately stopped dancing and turned the volume which already was not loud further down. Afterwards, we went over to the neighbouring campers to apologise and ask whether we'd disturbed them. Every one of them said we hadn't, that they were happily watching the football, and they could barely hear us. Infact they still joked that if the team they supported wins we may infact hear them.

Ironically, the music from the campsite's own facilities could be heard from quite a distance away, particularly around the toilet block, and continued through the evening than our brief dance during half-time.

I had absolutely no issue with being asked to turn the music down or stop dancing if it wasn't appropriate (even though there was nothing wrong or bad in what we were doing). What I did have an issue with was the manner in which it was handled. A polite conversation would have achieved exactly the same outcome. Instead, we felt publicly reprimanded and spoken to in a way that was unnecessarily rude and disrespectful.

This is still a beautiful campsite with excellent facilities, and I can understand why many people enjoy staying here. However, I do think it's important for potential visitors to understand the atmosphere. If you're looking for a very quiet campsite with a small group where you in bed by 7pm, you'll probably love it. If you're hoping to enjoy a relaxed camping trip with family and friends, where children can dance for a few minutes during a football half-time show without feeling like you're doing something wrong, then this may not be the right fit.

For us, it wasn't the campsite itself that disappointed us it was the way we were made to feel.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Great showers and toilet facilities. Good camping fields.

Disliked Unlit cattle grid going to the toilet block in the dark. There is a oath round it but it is not obvious as it gets pitch black there in the night.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked The pitch sizes, the view, being able to have campfires, the facilities, the location, friendly owners are all brilliant.

Disliked The dog camping field is miles away from the facilities. We ended up driving to the loo and wash up station. Even a portaloo would do! Plus you cant take your dog into the main part of the campsite where the facilities are so that adds to the faff.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Everything about this place! Plenty of space, peace and quiet, clean toilets, showers and lots of extras like lockers for charging phones etc, laundry and fridge / freezer should you need them.
One of the best things we enjoyed was being able to have a campfire, wood and kindling available to buy here too!
We loved the morning visit from the chickens 🐔 😀

Disliked Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked It’s rather quirky which I love. The lady in the reception was so lovely and we ended up dancing with my tent, let me explain I rocked up straight from work eagerly wanting to pitch and eat my tea. Sign said pitch and see reception so I pitched my tent, but on the way to reception realised my mistake and there was a field especially for dog owners further back. So myself and the lady moved all my gear to the right area. There was an exercise field for the dog too. It’s a lovely campsite

I’d recommend it to friends without dogs or in a group of people

Disliked Unable to take dog on foot to facilitates, being a solo camper, my dog goes everywhere with me.
I drove to the toilet one day as asked so she didn’t roam, I wanted a shower but she barked. So I opted for the toilet which are in two separate areas. My dog barked again and set of the farmers dog, he came out not best pleased. A dog is communicating that’s them talking in my view but get that the whole having campers dogs is fairly new to them and it’s a working farm.

Thankfully I had a eco toilet but went without a shower as my dog so clingy, also on foot with a dog I had to use the back entrance onto the moor.

While it’s a lovely campsite I feel it isn’t for me I go camping to meet people and experience the full pleasure of the campsite life and sadly didn’t feel this here. I actually felt really alone and might as well have just camped in the farmers field behind my house.

I can’t really rate highly facilities or activities but I’m sure they are very good

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked What an amazing little gem!
We stayed in a yurt with our 2 girls )4 and 6) and we all had the best time!
Facilities are clean and thought out, playgrounds and farm animals were lovely, the girls had the best time! Really enjoyed driving and walking on the Moore, animal spotting, wild swimming, back in touch with nature!
Will 100% be coming back.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Loved my stay here. Just what i wanted. I was looking for a wild experience and i got want i wanted. Lots of space around the site so had a small field all to myself. Literally perfect. I was able to park my motorcycle right near my pitch too, extra bonus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Second visit, brought the family this time. Cannot fault this campsite, it is just perfect and really enjoyed doing the circular walk again. As with my first visit, the evening campsite inspection from the ducks is just the best! And it's so lovely watching the chickens too.Used the showers this time - immaculately clean, perfect temperature, very spacious.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Friendly and helpful staff. Great facilities. Never a cold shower. Lots of space. Large hedges make fields feel very private. Views are amazing. Kids loved the wandering animals, play barn and play area at reception. We loved the short walk to the temperate rainforest.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked This is the best value for money campsite I've found and I can't recommend it highly enough! Immaculate facilities and thoughtful additions such as a microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine and phone charging available at a small cost.
Wide open spaces and hedgerows for wind protection. The 4km circular walk with directions on the website was stunning.
The highlight of my stay was when the group of ducks came round the field to inspect everyone's tents - so adorable!
Felt totally safe as a solo camper and will 100% be back!

Recommend to friends Visit again